The garage is a place where you store valuable, at times hazardous items. It’s not just about keeping your stuff safe inside. It’s also ensuring that everyone is far from harm, especially children. That’s why it’s important to have a garage door that will provide the right protection and serve as a reliable first layer of defense.

If you want to make your investment count and experience peace of mind and security, then take note of the following.

Work only with professionals

There are far too many unethical practices surrounding the garage door industry. Countless companies fail to provide the right service and are only in it to satisfy their personal interests. That’s why we highly recommend working only with professionals. Sure, it might hurt your pocket a bit but the kind of service they provide will be beneficial to you in numerous ways.

Be sure to scout for the right garage door company for what you need. Don’t hesitate to ask as many questions as you need and be sure to conduct a background check.

Learn basic maintenance

The fact is your garage door will only be as efficient and as functional as you want it to be. Routinely maintenance checks can make all the difference if you want your garage door to last as long as possible. You won’t always need to call a pro over. However, it will help tremendously if you practice basic maintenance.

Tom Adams is an IDEA (Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation) certified Residential Garage Door Installer. He is also a member of the International Door Association as well as the Canadian Door Institute. Here are some of his personal tips in ensuring your garage door is in tip top shape:

Oil the spring over the door at least once a year. (Do not use WD40). Use ‘3-in-1’ oil or any motor oil (10W30, for example). Springs wear on the sides – the coils rub against each other and wear thin, then break. Oiling the spring reduces the wear and lengthens the life of the spring.

Lubricate the hinges regularly. Wipe any excess oil off the back of the door.

Check the garage door opener sensors monthly. If the door is closing and the sensor beam is broken the door should reverse and start going up.

Check the garage door opener safety reversal system monthly. With the door fully open, place a 1-1/2″ (3.8 cm) board (or a 2×4 laid flat) on the floor, centered under the garage door. Operate the door in the down direction. The door must stop or reverse on striking the obstruction.

Refer any problems with the spring or cables to properly trained and qualified technicians. These components are under tension and mishandling them could expose the consumer to extreme danger.

Inspect often and as thoroughly as possible

Your garage door is prone to different problems, especially when it is used often and as the season changes. So take the time to conduct a thorough inspection regularly. Check the corners, the mechanism, parts, among other things. According to the pros, it’s best that you do it “on a day when your schedule is less hectic such as a Sunday. Close the door and thoroughly check all the springs, pulleys, wires, and hardware. You are likely to see if there are any parts that are getting damaged and which may require replacement.”

Be sure not to have anyone near the garage door while you’re inspecting it. This prevents any accidents from happening.

Clean your garage door

Cleaning your garage door is another means to ensuring its long-term use and functionality. Since there are different garage doors, there are also various ways of cleaning it properly. It’s pivotal that you learn how to do this properly so you’re not causing any damage to the door.

For example, a wooden garage door will need a soft, dry cloth and some good wiping down. At times, you’ll need to repaint or stain it. It’s always best to use the appropriate cleaner when doing this.

Keep your kids away from it

Sometimes, trouble comes to curious children in the wrong places. If you want your garage door and your loved ones out of trouble, then it’s best to tell them to keep away from it. Don’t let your young children have access to the remote. Don’t let them play around it. After all, safety is always key.

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Door Doctor Inc.

As a garage door company Door Doctor was founded in 1988 in the Greater Toronto area. Located close to Markham we have since expanded our services to include two additional locations; one in Barrie, serving the Simcoe area, and the other in Oshawa, servicing the Durham area.